Tapestri, Inc. is dedicated to ending violence and oppression in refugee and immigrant communities, using culturally competent and appropriate methods.

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Presentation on theme: "Tapestri, Inc. is dedicated to ending violence and oppression in refugee and immigrant communities, using culturally competent and appropriate methods."— Presentation transcript:

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US law defines human trafficking as:  The recruitment, abduction, transport, harbouring, transfer, sale or receipt of persons for the purpose of exploitation.

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 When someone is brought into the country, they pay for the service of being smuggled, and are free to go afterwards. This is alien smuggling. It is illegal, but it is a service in which the customer is not exploited.  When someone is brought into the country, voluntarily or involuntarily, legally or illegally, for the purpose of exploitation or extortion this would constitute human trafficking.

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 Both Human Trafficking and Labor exploitation are “exploitive” in nature.  However, if a person is working and/or living in an exploitive situation but is free to go at any time this would not constitute trafficking.  If a person is being exploited AND is coerced and/or forced into enduring that situation, then this would constitute human trafficking.

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 Trafficking in persons is the second largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world.  It is a billion dollar industry and victimizes millions of people.  It has been reported that 161 countries are affected by human trafficking by being the source, transit or destination country  About 14,500- 17,500 people are trafficked into the United States every year.

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 Anyone can be a potential victim of human trafficking.  In the United States trafficked individuals are found from all over the world, especially, but not only, from economically depressed countries.  Primarily women and children

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 52% of traffickers are men, 42% are women and 6% are both men and women  In 54% of cases the trafficker was a stranger to the victim, 46% of cases the trafficker was known to victim  The majority of traffickers are from the same country as the victims

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 Extremely Profitable  Human “merchandise” can be reused over and over again  Not an easily identifiable crime  Involves little risk for the traffickers so they can operate with impunity In 2010 there were only 6,017 prosecutions and 3,619 convictions throughout the world which means that almost half of the traffickers were not convicted (TIP 2011)

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 The trafficked individual is often promised a good job, better pay, education, marriage, or simply better opportunities for themselves and their families.  Traffickers entice their victims through word-of- mouth, newspaper and telephone book ads, brochures, Web sites and fake or dubious employment, adoption or mail-order bride agencies  Trafficked individuals might be kidnapped.  They may even be sold by a relative.

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1. Language: When the trafficked individual does not speak the language of the host country it makes it harder for that individual to escape or seek help. 2. Culture: In many cultures even the concept of “human trafficking does not exist. * Shame/stigma 3. Economic/Survival: Often if the victims escape they will automatically become homeless with left without any support.

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4. Lack of Knowledge:  Trafficked individual does not know what 911 is or that it even exists.  Have an exaggerated fear of getting deported that he or she may be very hesitant to call or trust the police.  Does not know that there are laws to protect them or help available for them. 5. Isolation:  Isolated twice, once in the physical space provided by the traffickers and a second time because this space is often within an ethnic enclave that is hard to reach by service providers, media, and law enforcement.  Not even know where they are.

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 Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed – Or Inconsistencies in story  Was recruited through false promises concerning the nature and conditions of his/her work  Is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips  Is fearful, anxious, depressed, tense, nervous / paranoid behavior or stupor like behavior (mental or emotional numbness)  They also may appear submissive – will not speak up  The individual does not have any personal identification papers, passport, visa, etc.

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 Signs of physical or psychological abuse  Another person speaks for them  Someone else handles their money – may be a third party that handles the money  Works odd/long hours or works 7 days a week  Untreated illness or infections  Bands, scarring or tattoos indicating ownership – pimps are known to brand their girls  No knowledge of local community  Fear law enforcement or local authority  Children living with someone who is not related to them

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 Talk about an older boyfriend or sex with an older man/boyfriend or,  Presence of an overly controlling and abusive “boyfriend”  Excess amount of cash  Lying about age/false identification  Inability or fear to make eye contact  Claims of being an adult although appearance suggests adolescent features

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The complex patterns of human trafficking can create tremendous challenges to identification of victims. There isn't an specific question that will immediately alarm you that this is a trafficking survivor When first talking to a potential victim try to make the victim as comfortable as possible. Allow the victim to first tell you their full story before asking questions. Rather then using terms like “Human Trafficking” explain the concept of it. Reassure that you are here to help her and that there are laws to protect her.* Only get the information you need when talking to a victim to avoid revictimization or possibly getting subpoena during prosecution.

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 Are people charging others for the victims services and keeping the money?  Can they leave their job if they want to?  Are they being forced to do things against their will?  Are they being overworked?  Are they being made to pay off a debt?  Are they being threatened with deportation?  Do they feel like a prisoner?  Do they get punished for complaining about their work or living conditions?  Do they get in trouble if they go out by themselves or talk to whomever they want to?  Do they feel they are in danger?

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 A person below the age of 18 who has been recruited, transferred, harbored or received for the purpose of exploitation.  The child does not have to have been threatened, forced, abducted, deceived, abused or sold to be identified as trafficking survivor.

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Continued Presence:  This is a form of immigration relief that federal law enforcement can apply for on behalf of the victim.  It grants victims who cooperate in investigation or prosecution the same benefits and rights of a T-Visa recipient.  It lasts for one year and is renewable by undefined period of time.  Once you have a continued presence you can also apply for a T-Visa.  Once Cp is granted ORR will be notified and issue an Eligibility Letter that will allow victim to access same benefits as Refugees.

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T-VISA: Trafficking Victims Protection Act, 2000 Requirements:  Be a victim of a “severe form” of trafficking  Be a person of good moral character  Be willing to comply with any reasonable request for assistance in the investigation during the three-year period the visa will last.  Face severe and unusual hardship if returned to country of origin.

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 Providing interpretation services for victims and assisting them in translating affidavits or any other documents that would assist their case.  Providing information and education on legal, civil, criminal, and immigration options for victims.  Securing pro bono legal services for victims.  Assisting victims in filing for certification and legal immigration status.  Supporting victims through the investigation process.

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Human trafficking is such a complex issue that all agencies and community members need to get involved in stopping this crime. What Can You Do?

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 Help spread awareness of the issue.  If you identify a victim give them our information and refer them to Tapestri.  Provide information to assist law enforcement with investigation and prosecution of this crime.  Give a second look at people providing you services or those arrested as “criminals”. Perhaps they may be a victim of human trafficking.